Difference Between an Ophthalmologist & Optometrist

Choosing an eye care provider is an important medical and eye care decision. After all, you will be expecting your eye physician to help you keep up a lifetime of good vision and to safeguard your precious sense of sight.

The first step in your decision is to understand there are two types of eye physicians: optometrists and ophthalmologists. And there also exists a third party “O” among eye care providers: which is referred to as an optician.

How To Choose An Eye Doctor

So, baffled between who to visit! optometrist or ophthalmologist? There are various differences between an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It’s important that you must know that the eye center will be able to cater to your requirements when decide to visit an eye doctor.

As discussed above, opticians are another eye doctor to consider but we will only be talking about an optometrist and ophthalmologist in this blog. Choosing an eye doctor is a major decision, especially when you’re taking your loved ones and referring your friends not to forget ourselves. Finalizing an eye doctor may take a bit of research as your eyesight is expecting to get treated from the best possible person. So, let us talk about the difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist services!

What’s An Optometrist?

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry who’s professionally trained as well as licensed to examine the eyes and treat visual flaws. They could prescribe corrective lenses, glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists are also clinically trained to diagnose problems or impairments.

Performs Eye Exams

Treats Visual Defects

Prescribes Corrective Contact Lenses & Glasses

What’s An Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine who specializes in the treatment of eye diseases and total vision care. They can prescribe medications for eye diseases as an ophthalmologist is professionally trained to offer complete eye exams and perform eye surgery on patients.

Performs Eye Exams

Treats Eye Diseases

Prescribes Corrective Contact Lenses & Glasses

Performs Eye Surgeries

Which doctor is best for your eye care?

The answer depends on your requirements and preferences.

Exams and prescriptions. Either optometrists or ophthalmologists can perform eye exams. And either can prescribe contact lenses or glasses.

Special contact lens fittings. An optometrist is the better option for contact lens wearers. Optometrists often specialize in contact lens fittings and are often best for that type of evaluation required for it.

Laser surgeries along with other operations. If your eye demand surgeries or are considering laser surgery, an ophthalmologist is the best option. Otherwise, a good optometrist can handle what a general ophthalmologist can. But ophthalmologists are experts in eye surgeries.

Serious eye conditions. When you have a serious condition — acute macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, for example — you’ll typically see a specialist (ophthalmologist). The decision is up to you if you do not have any eye problems with an optometrist.